“Three cheers, and drive them!” roared Major Waddie, hoarsely, as his white plume flaunted in the fresh breeze. Then the Wimpletonians yelled along the whole length of the line, and rushed down the hill, the demoralized Toppletonians fleeing before them. Major Toppleton and myself were obliged to retire in order to avoid the onslaught of the victorious battalion. [Illustration: THE GREAT BATTLE.--Page 193.] “The scoundrels!” ejaculated the great man, who appeared to be quite as much disconcerted as his son. “The Wimps have the best of it,” I replied. “This is disgraceful!” muttered the major. I thought so myself; not the defeat, as he understood it, but the battle itself, as I understood it. Near the camp of the Toppletonians was a belt of trees extending across the island, into which the discomfited battalion retreated. The Wimpletonians followed them closely, and I was afraid the camp and baggage of our boys would be captured by the enemy. In the shadow of the grove, Major Tommy and his two captains rallied the intimidated Toppletonians, and they made a stand under the friendly shelter of the trees, the enemy halting at the verge of the grove. The great man and myself hastened to headquarters, where we found Tommy breathless with rage and excitement at his unexpected defeat. His father taunted him upon his misfortune, which did not help his fiery mood. “What could I do when the fellows gave way?” stormed he. “They are a pack of cowards, and would run a mile rather than be pricked with the point of a pin.” “It is easy enough for you to talk, Tommy Toppleton,” snapped private Putnam. “If you went in the front instead of the rear, it would make a difference with you.” “I was in the place where a commander ought to be,” retorted Tommy, stung by this reproach. “I will give you enough of it before you get through.” “You needn’t call us cowards while you keep yourself in a safe place,” added Putnam. “Attention--battalion!” shouted Major Tommy, suddenly. “What are you going to do now?” asked his father. “I’m going to drive the Wimps into the lake this time.” “What’s the use! If you go out of the grove, you will only be driven back,” replied the major, senior. “Why don’t you make a flank movement?” I suggested. “What do you mean by that?” asked Tommy, whose attention was arrested by the idea. “Send one company round to the other side of the Wimps,” I replied. “If I send half my men away, the Wimps will defeat the rest here.” “No; half your force can hold this wood. If you can get one company on the high ground, you will have the advantage over them.”